Romano Fenati wins in Austin as Canet crashes out
Ongetta Rivacold Honda’s Romano Fenati has taken his first win since his sacking by the Sky VR46 team last season, after a dominant display in a fragmented Austin race.
Fenati, who has struggled to be consistent so far this season, took the win in a red flag-affected race. Kaito Toba crashed out at Turn 14 on the second lap and was left in a dangerous position, resulting in the stoppage.
This saw Aron Canet’s big lead at the front cancelled out due to the race restart. It would then turn into a disaster for the Spaniard, as he high-sided at Turn 19 whilst pushing to break Fenati’s resolve, ending his great weekend on a sour note.
It was then Fenati who breezed home to his first win since this race 12 months ago, as a battle developed behind him for the final podium places. Fabio Di Giannantonio and Gresini teammate Jorge Martin battled until the final lap, when Martin just pipped him for second.
Behind them was the sole remaining EG 0,0 Honda of Enea Bastianini, Nicolo Bulega and Juanfran Guevara. John McPhee was seventh, with championship leader Joan Mir finishing down in eighth after getting roughed up on the final few laps.
Phillip Oettl was one of two riders to switch to a fresh medium rear for the 12-lap restart, but was unable to capitalise on his grip advantage in the closing stages of the race and was ninth, with Darryn Binder coming home as the final rider inside the top ten.
The result sees Mir’s championship lead cut down to six points at this early stage in the championship. The next round of the championship sees the field travel to the first European round on the calendar at Jerez in Spain. The action will take place on the weekend of the 7th May.